The representatives of Gilas Pilipinas from both Men and Women’s tournaments in this years’ 3×3 FIBA Asia Cup in Singapore have made another milestone in 3×3 history.
Let’s unveil what happened from March 26 to 30.
PH’s 3×3 Stars
For the men’s squad, it is composed of not only current PBA 3×3 players but also collegiate studs.
Jose Antonio Eusebio is one of the rising stars from the College of St. Benilde and his team were able to make the Finals stage in last year’s NCAA Season 100. Though his squad failed to become champions, his overall game made him a star recruit for Philippines’ 3×3 team.
Jeffrey Manday and Joseph Jacinto Manlangit are currently playing in the PBA’s 3×3 tournament. They have been continuously becoming a vital piece both for their respective teams as they gain success in winning playoff games but their skills can easily help the National Team move past the elimination games.
Lastly, arguably the most veteran 3×3 player ever in this squad is Joseph Sedurifa who has been representing the Philippines in 3×3 tournaments for almost the past decade. His dreams of making noise in the traditional 5×5 games may not have come true but his experience in terms of playing in this type of tournament became his edge on why he became the team captain for his team.
For the women’s team, it would be led by none other than National University Lady Bulldogs’ superstar, Camille Clarin. She has won multiple titles in her 4 year collegiate stint in the UAAP for the past few years and has earned to be star player on the National team.
Her other teammates are Mikka Cacho, Jhazmin Joson and Kaye Pingol.
Disappointment and Amusement in Elimination Stage
The men’s group looked really convincing as they were able to get an easy victory out of Macau with a 21 – 12 score and shocked the higher ranked Asian team, South Korea in a thriller as Gilas came out with a 17 – 15 win both last March 26.
With one game away in clinching a Main Berth in the 3×3 FIBA Asia Cup draw, they also face the 2-0 Indian team who is ranked #18.
Gilas was outmatched as they lost in their last Qualifying Draw game as the Indians claimed the victory with a final score of 21 – 11 last March 27.
For the women’s team, they were also quick to dismantle their opponents in their first game as they won against Indonesia 21 – 4 last March 29. However, in their 2nd and last Elimination game, their superstar Camille Clarin suffered a devastating injury.
With 4:53 remaining and Gilas down big against the Australians 15-6, Clarin drove to the basket and as she attempted a pivot, her right knee failed to turn properly. This resulted in a partial right ACL tear, an injury that can sideline any basketball player for at least one year.
Gilas lost to the Aussies 21 – 8 and are underdogs as they face the No.12 world ranked Mongolia in the Quarterfinals. With only 3 healthy bodies remaining, the women of Gilas showed their “puso” in facing such adversity.
Mikka Cacho, Jhazmin Joson and Kaye Pingol upset the Mongolians as they made their way in the semifinals last March 30. They converted 9 out of their 11 free throw attempts as Gilas repeatedly attacked the basket while the Mongolians struggled with foul trouble. Cacho led the charge with nine points and six rebounds, while Pingol added five points in the 19 – 15 win.
Camille Clarin, even though she could barely walk, went to the court and hugged her teammates as the final buzzer sounded.
Now, as emotional the Quarterfinals has become, they still need to face Japan in the Semis.
Monumental Finish
The confidence of the women’s team has reached its all time high as they face their Asian rival Japan in their Semis match but only having 3 players in the game really wasn’t enough to earn themselves a Finals ticket.
They bow down to the No. 14 ranked Japan, 22 – 9. Cacho was the leading scorer with 5 points and despite a heartbreaking loss, there was no time to mourn as they prepared to face the No. 1 ranked China for the Bronze medal match last March 30 as well.
Unfortunately, their luck has come to an end in facing the Chinese team, who have won multiple FIBA Asia 3×3 titles in the past, take the win out of Gilas as their size in the shaded area proved to be too much.
Cacho yet again led Gilas with 6 points. But even though the Philippine team failed to claim the bronze medal, the squad reached their highest placement for any Philippine women’s team since the country’s debut in the tournament in 2018.
Being in the 4th is still a job well done for them compared to last year, the National team only placed 6th.
This is still magnificent news as the women’s program begins a historical campaign now being supported by the Jacob Lao owned, Strong Group Athletics (SGA) before the start of the 3×3 tournament.
